Purdue comes to Illinois with new life

With one kick, Purdue has gone from a team riding a five-game skid with questions about its head coach to a team on the hunt for a bowl berth.

Last Saturday's 27-24 win over Iowa breathed life into the Boilermakers (4-6, 1-5 Big Ten). One more win and they'll be headed to a bowl.

What Illinois wouldn't give for that.

The Illini (2-8, 0-6) have lost seven straight and there won't be much left for them to play for but pride when the teams meet Saturday in Champaign.

Purdue quarterback Robert Marve says the chance to play for a bowl berth has him excited to take the field. Illinois linebacker Mason Monheim says the season's frustrations hurt. But he says dwelling on them will just keep the losses coming.

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